SHINRIN YOKU

This is what the Japanese call walking among the trees, which literally means forest bathing.
Karoshi - this is what they call death from overwork. In a way, forest bathing is a return to the roots and a response to the common phenomenon in Japan of working beyond one's strength, which ruins physical and mental health. The first nature therapy centre was established there in 1982. The effectiveness of this practice, which originated in Buddhism and Shintoism, attracted the interest of scientists who recognised its validity and effects. Forest therapy centres and workshops - are now available all over the world, but you don't have to use anyone's offer to practise shinrin yoku. All you need to do is go to the forest. The Japanese recommend that the walking pace should be about 1-2 km per hour, the trees should be from 5 metres in height and the forest belt should be at least 20 metres wide.

It is important not to use your phone, to stroll quietly and, if your thoughts are rushed, to let them flow until they calm down.
The essence of forest bathing is to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the forest and absorb it with all five senses - sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.

To enhance the effect of touch, many people practice so-called 'tree hugging'. Sylvotherapy (from the Latin silva - forest), which consists precisely of hugging trees, is based on elements of meditation and the scientific knowledge that trees can indeed help us feel better. This is because they secrete phytoncides, which protect them from parasites, bacteria and inhibit the growth of fungi, viruses and protozoa. They are therefore a kind of antibiotic for trees.
Interestingly, one hectare of deciduous forest produces about 2 kg of phytoncides in summer, while the same area of coniferous forest gives off about 5 kg of these substances.

Phytoncides are also of benefit to humans - antiseptic, cleansing the respiratory tract, regulating the heart rate, while at the same time calming and protecting the
on nerve cells. They are what cause waves of happiness and relaxation when walking in the forest or huddling in the trees.
They switch us into a state of relaxation, reduce muscle tension and improve overall health.

So if you are overtired, want to boost your immunity and reduce stress - go to the forest and cuddle up to a tree....